East Sussex County Council
Best Start Inclusion Practitioner
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Are you passionate about making a difference to young children and their families? If you have experience supporting children with SEND, enjoy working collaboratively with families and professionals, and are committed to helping every child achieve the best possible start in life, this could be the role for you.
About the Role
As a Best Start Inclusion Practitioner, you will help improve outcomes for children aged 0–5 with emerging or identified SEND by providing targeted early intervention and inclusion support. Working across Family Hubs, early years settings and community venues, you will play a key role in promoting school readiness, reducing inequalities and supporting children to thrive.
You will deliver direct support to children and families, carry out observations and assessments, model inclusive practice, provide SEND advice and guidance, contribute to workforce development, and work closely with partners across education, health and early help services to strengthen multi-agency support.
Working within an agreed framework, you will help translate national policy and local priorities into effective day-to-day practice across Best Start Family Hubs and early years settings. Your work will contribute directly to improving outcomes for children and families and support the government's ambition for 75% of children to achieve a Good Level of Development by 2028.
Requirements
We are looking for candidates who:
- Have an RQF Level 2 in English and Maths or ability to pass assessments at interview and a Level 4 qualification in a relevant field, i.e. working with children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities specialism
- Have experience of working with children aged 0–5 with SEND
- Have knowledge of child development, early identification, inclusive practice, SEND legislation, safeguarding and the graduated approach
- Have experience of working in a multi-agency environment and building positive relationships with children, families and professionals
- Can carry out observations, assessments and outcome-focused planning, whilst managing a varied workload effectively
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Please download the Job Description and Person Specification [https://fa-euru-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/cs/groups/public/documents/document/ytew/mdqy/~edisp/ucmfa10042085.docx] for more information.
Application Process
To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will be using your Supporting Statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests.
For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page and our statement on the use of AI.
Interviews will take place on Wednesday 23 and Friday 25 September 2026 in person at County Hall, Lewes.
If you are unavailable on this date, let us know and we may be able to schedule an alternative interview date.
Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.
Why Join Us?
The successful applicant will become an integral part of a highly regarded service that is committed to giving children the best start in life. You will support the early identification of SEND needs, promote inclusive practice across Family Hubs and early years settings, and work in partnership with families and professionals to improve outcomes for young children.
The SEND Early Years Service is a county-wide team within the East Sussex Education Division. While you will be primarily based within a Family Hub in Lewes, Coastal and Wealden or Eastbourne and Hailsham - will also have opportunities to work across East Sussex, visiting Family Hubs, Local Authority offices, network sites, early years settings and family homes in line with service needs.
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Working across East Sussex, you will be part of a collaborative and supportive team focused on strengthening family support, improving school readiness and building capacity across the early years workforce. You will benefit from a comprehensive induction programme, quality supervision, ongoing professional development, case discussion and peer support.
Please contact Jake Perry - Deputy Service Manager on Tel: 01273 335 270, Mob: 07525 387 496 or Jake.Perry@eastsussex.gov.uk if you wish to have an informal discussion about the role.
We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.
Additional Information
This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record. Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.
Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.
If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas.
If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.
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